Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang is lauded as the heart of Laotian culture. After being picked up from your hotel, you will begin exploring at the Royal Palace Museum. There you can take in the palace's unique architecture, which is a mix of French Beaux-Arts style with Laotian touches. You can also get a glimpse into everyday life in the 1930s with the help of some carefully preserved artifacts and murals. Next, you will head to some of the oldest temples in the area, including Wat Xiengthong, which features a stunning tree of life mosaic and intricately carved walls. At the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, you will get introduced to the diverse cultures of the country's many ethnic groups. Following lunch with your guide, who will further detail your day with anecdotes and facts, you will climb to the top of Mount Phousi. As you reach the summit, you will be able to watch the sun set over the Mekong River, illuminating the gilded stupa of the mountain's Wat Chom Si Temple. On your way back down, you will stop at Luang Prabang's night market before heading to your hotel to discover the troves of vibrant, handcrafted treasures that are on display.

Day 1 Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport meet and greet your local guide at the exit of the arrival hall. Drive to the hotel where you can get some rest and relax at your own pace. Day 2 Enjoy a short but thorough guided tour of the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. With its roofs sweeping low to the ground, it embodies classical Laotian architecture. Then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, and take in a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, 2 linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, you will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai where they make the local rice wine and Ban Xangkhong a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. On return, visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. You'll then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River.  Continue to explore the night market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by Luang Prabang locals. Return to the same hotel in Luang Prabang. Day 3 Wake up to the beautiful morning in Luang Prabang, and if you are an early riser, participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (sticky rice) from the residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. After breakfast, drive about 15km out of town to journey to the elephant village in Ban Xienglom. En route stop at a famous and well-known village, Ban Phanom, where almost all of the villagers are weavers. Next, stop at Henri Mouhot, the explorer who discovered Angkor Wat, a monument at Kaeng Noon.  Once at the Elephant Village Camp, get up close and personal with elephants while you feed them. Visit the elephant hospital, museum, gallery, and dung paper making facility.  Return to the town visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. Returning to Luang Prabang by afternoon, you'll be back in the city in time to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath Tai. Day 4 Enjoy your breakfast and free time to pack in the morning before check-out, you will then be transferred to the airport to catch up with your flight.Enjoy your breakfast and free time to pack in the morning before check-out, you will then be transferred to the airport to catch up with your flight.